
Many of us believe that upgrading our skills can aid in job searching, yet it can be intimidating to choose from the overwhelming number of available courses. When choosing a course, it may be helpful to consider:
- Is it the right time?
- Which course is suitable for me?
- Does it further my job prospects?
Here are 4 steps to help you choose the right course:
Know Yourself
- Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses
- Find out skills you may lack in your current / desired role
- List keywords of the skills you are keen to acquire (e.g. “innovation”, “data analytics”, “beginner French”)
- Discover your learning style to narrow down your course options
Assess your Current Needs
- Understand what stage you are at in your career
- Consider your reasons for taking a course. Are you looking to acquire a new skill for your career? Improve and deepen on an existing set of skills? Or purely for leisure and interests?
- Narrow down your options based on the above reasons
Consult your Friends or a Career Coach
- Your close friends or mentors could point out blind spots in your career advancement
- Your previous/current colleagues could help you to identify areas of growth in the workplace
Research on Different Training Providers
- Search for available courses under MySkillsFuture.gov.sg
- Be aware of the:
1. Reputation of the training provider. Ensure that it is from a trustworthy school or training provider and find out feedback from other trainees
2. Mode of delivery. Whether it is online, blended learning or classroom-based
3. Frequency and duration of lessons. Check if you can commit to the required duration
4. Cost of the course
Do not take a course just because it is popular, or because your friends are taking it. As skills upgrading can be expensive and time-consuming, it is important to be clear about why you are signing up for a course.